Citadel "Bamboo" Katana
Are you looking for a sword that embodies a deeper philosophy while offering top-tier performance for practical use? The Citadel "Bamboo" Katana is inspired by one of the Orient's most significant plants. Bamboo symbolizes straight growth, boundless energy, and above all, the ability to withstand the storm—it bends but does not break. The blade of this sword shares these very qualities. Thanks to the masterful craftsmanship of the Citadel forge, which combines ancient techniques with modern materials, you receive a weapon that is not only beautiful to behold but also fully functional for tameshigiri (test cutting). Further product information ...
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Citadel "Bamboo" Katana – The Spirit of Resilience
Blade: An Edge with Soul
The blade is forged from 1075 high-carbon steel in the shinogi-zukuri style. What makes it exceptional is the traditional differential hardening using clay paste. Through this process, the edge reaches a hardness of approx. 60 HRC (for extreme sharpness), while the spine remains at approx. 40 HRC (for flexibility and shock absorption). A clearly visible temper line (hamon) is present on the blade, the result of precise hand polishing. The blade is also lightened by a groove (bo-hi), which produces that satisfying audible feedback (whoosh) during a correct cut.
Artistic Koshirae Fittings
The sword's mounting is understated yet full of detail. The theme is bamboo, which you will find finely engraved on the collar (fuchi) and pommel (kashira). The iron guard (tsuba) is hand-cut into the shape of bamboo leaves, a beautiful detail not found on mass-produced swords. The handle is underlaid with ray skin and tightly wrapped with black Japanese silk in the hineri-maki style. Underneath the wrap, silver-plated bronze ornaments (menuki) with a floral motif shine through, creating an elegant contrast against the dark handle. The ensemble is completed by a high-gloss black lacquered scabbard.
Care and Maintenance
The sword is made of carbon steel, which is not stainless. To ensure your katana lasts for generations, it requires regular care. Clean the blade of aggressive sweat after every practice session or touch, and treat it with high-quality oil (e.g., clove oil found in maintenance kits). Avoid storing it in a damp environment.
Safety Warning
This katana is a fully functional and extremely sharp weapon. It is not a dull decoration. Exercise extreme caution during handling and drawing practice. Cutting hard objects (wood, bone) or using poor cutting technique can irreversibly damage the blade (bending or chipping), which is not covered by the warranty.
Sword Fighting with a Katana: Basic Techniques for Beginners
Specifications
| Blade Material | 1075 Carbon Steel (differentially hardened) |
| Hardness | approx. 60 HRC (edge) / 40 HRC (spine) |
| Total Length | 100 cm / approx. 39.4 inches |
| Blade Length | 71.5 cm / approx. 28.1 inches |
| Handle Length | 28 cm / approx. 11 inches |
| Weight | approx. 1200 g / approx. 2.6 lbs |
| Blade Style | Shinogi-zukuri with bo-hi (groove) |
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